The importance of volunteerism

In view of Independence and Community Service, when we talk about nation building, we talk about development, economic growth, education, and infrastructural development among others. But there is an aspect of development which is sometimes over-looked, just as fundamental to nation-building, and oftentimes very rarely discussed: volunteerism. To build a nation, some form of volunteerism is always part of the process, but we may not appreciate its potency because it is intangible and often times unrecognized. In this regard, there is a call for us to become a greater nation of volunteers-something that will make a difference in our development.

The United Nation (UN)’s policy statement describes a volunteer as “one who rarely makes headlines but has immense impact; that pulls communities together by helping those in need, who promotes self-help initiatives and worthy causes”. Our volunteers include politicians, teachers, community leaders, and healthcare workers, among others. Volunteerism deflates individualism, self- promotion and materialism in a world where we are encouraged to partake in a race for material acquisitions at an unsustainable pace and at any cost.

While some volunteers may be recognized in the print and television media, a greater proportion of voluntary work is done by those unseen and unrecognized. The reward of the latter is frequently a sense of satisfaction that they have contributed to something worthwhile. Therefore, we must never cease to shower praises on such persons and institutions who continuously give their time and effort in voluntary ventures on the island.

We live in an era when, as a nation of individuals, we have taken “individualism” to a new level of repugnance such that some have made it a desirable character trait and an end in itself. To serve on village councils, to join a village committee or to serve on a public service board may be considered to be too time-consuming. It is alleged that individuals are being paid to run for public office, an alleged practice which is not frowned upon by our society. Unfortunately the practice of giving has been kidnapped by that of receiving above and beyond what is reasonable and based on merit!

I am sure that most of us recall those famous words from the rousing inaugural address of the American President John F. Kennedy in 1961: “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” One year prior to this statement, the then-Sen. John F. Kennedy challenged students at the University of Michigan to serve their country in the cause of peace by living and working in developing countries. From that inspiration grew a federal government agency devoted to world peace and friendship- the Peace Corps- which continues to thrive to this present day. This famous statement is often used to encourage a people to give freely of their time and talent to develop their country. And there are those who truly believe in such creed hence making a substantial difference in their communities. In some school of thought, volunteerism is seen as more than just a philosophical pursuit, this is the kind of service which is echoed in deep patriotism and national pride.

Truly, we have a moral obligation to our fellow Dominicans, both as neighbours and citizens of our country. We must try our utmost to think collectively as a people with an understanding of the immense importance of advancing Dominica’s sense of decency, opportunity and community spirit. Our stock of social capital – the very fabric of our connections with each other – must be improved to better our lives, our communities and our nation. After all, individuals neither live nor thrive in a vacuum. And we must be less dependent on others while we take the initiative to do for others.

Each one of us is part of a community and a nation, and all of us are affected by the social and historical context of our times which provide the opportunities for us to achieve our goals and live our lives as richly and fully as possible. Consequently, we must not only put ourselves forward to serve others, but we must not tear down those who voluntarily put themselves out there to serve without any aim for glory or remuneration. We should never discount volunteerism which is meant to improve our nation and volunteerism should not be the purview of any one political persuasion.

Even in our Christian faith we learn about the interdependence of the community: “We must delight in each other, make others’ conditions our own, rejoice together, mourn together, labor and suffer together.” Given that we are predominantly a Christian nation, this collective cooperation should be forth-coming.

Volunteerism and its values should permeate the upper levels of management and political echelons of our society. This would help to create a viable alternative to the present trend of self- and immediate gratification and would almost certainly bring about tremendous change to the institutional culture of our country.

We are also aware that what must underlie altruism is solid finance. And we must commend the companies who seek to promote and to facilitate volunteerism at many levels. We should also commend and encourage the many initiatives taken by several educational institutions to inculcate volunteerism in our youth. But there is a call for others to take the opportunity to donate generously and support a worthy cause.
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f we make ourselves a greater nation of volunteers, we would definitely benefit considerably. Unity is strength, and contributing whatever talent we may possess can only help to make a brighter tomorrow for Dominica.